A man dressed in a superhero costume is found dead in an alley, after saving a man being mugged. Mac, Stella, and Dr. Hawkes find his clothes in a nearby phone booth. Danny and Lindsay investigate the murder of an NFL first-round draft pick, known as "Superman."

Mike McDaniel

Korey Karnes

"CSI: NY" is just as good as the original "CSI" and its first spin-off "CSI: Miami." ... Yes, the writing is a little weak, but the atypical crimes and the fascinating technology make the show extremely addictive. [24 Sep 2004]

Tim Goodman

Robert Bianco

Aside from the decided lack of humor and the distinctive talents of the stars, there are some other fairly significant differences between NY and the other CSI installments. Mac and Stella work more as equals than Miami's team, and are less competitive than CSI's. We're also given more information about their personal lives. [22 Sep 2004]

Terry Kelleher

Michael Speier

What's missing is some reality; comparatively, "NYPD Blue," "Homicide" and so many other cop skeins offered more authenticity, while this comes off as something made to please a focus group. [22 Sep 2004]

Hal Boedeker

The script doesn't give Gary Sinise a lot of room to maneuver as the glum head investigator. The welcome flashes of lightness in this dark show come from Melina Kanakaredes as Sinise's humane partner. [22 Sept 2004, p.E1]

Tom Shales

Manuel Mendoza

Whether intended or not, this emphasis on serial killers and other antisocial freaks indulges a morbid fascination with sicko behavior at least as much as it celebrates smart and dedicated crime fighters. [22 Sep 2004]

Gillian Flynn

Robert Lloyd

Sinise, a real movie star and the co-founder of Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theatre, is a fine actor, and so are they all, all fine actors. But none has much to do here -- the dialogue makes "Dragnet" seem positively chatty.

Matthew Gilbert

"CSI: NY" is a big disappointment, even if you're a diehard fan of the "CSI" formula. It's a groggy, overly atmospheric, and grim series that works much too hard to evoke "the city that never sleeps." [22 Sep 2004]